Scott Free re-ups with CBS Par

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The duo's Scott Free Prods. has inked a new two-year overall deal with the studio to develop new TV projects exclusively for CBS Par TV.

Scott Free's relationship with CBS began five years ago when Ridley and Tony Scott hired David Zucker as TV executive and began a push in scripted television series with a two-year deal at the network that led to the development of "Numbers," now in its third season. The company set up shop at CBS Par TV, which co-produces the crime drama, in 2004.

"We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Tony, Ridley and David," CBS Paramount Network TV president David Stapf said. "They have been great partners on 'Numbers' and always bring their unique visual and creative style to every project."

This pilot season, Scott Free is co-producing with CBS Par TV an untitled presentation for CBS from writer-producer Barry Schindel about a team of Los Angeles public defenders. The project's cast includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Janeane Garofalo, Josh Cooke and Rachel Carpani.

Added Tony Scott: "We've developed a really solid relationship with CBS/Paramount. The last three seasons with 'Numbers' have been a brilliant experience, as was our pilot we shot earlier this year with them and Barry Schindel."

In September, CBS Par TV announced an expansion into producing cable series under CBS executive Bela Bajaria. That proved very appealing to the Scotts and Zucker, who have been looking to branch out into cable, and made re-upping with the studio a no-brainer.

"Their encouragement to develop across all broadcast venues makes for an exciting partnership and presents a new range of creative challenges," Ridley Scott said.

Under its deal with CBS Par TV, Scott Free already is developing a project for Showtime.

Additionally, the company has teamed with Endemol Entertainment U.K. to develop a one-hour show for the BBC with the idea to then bring the format and possibly adapt it for the U.S. with CBS Par TV on board.

On the longform TV side, Scott Free is shepherding several high-profile projects, including "The Company," a six-hour limited series for TNT that will launch in the summer, co-produced with John Calley Prods. and Sony Pictures TV, and "The Andromeda Strain," a four-hour adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel, done in conjunction with NBC Universal.

Scott Free's TV slate is being overseen by Zucker, who was named president of television in 2006.

Scott Free is repped by CAA and attorneys PJ Shapiro and David Nochimson.